January 14, 2008

A is for Ave Maria Sangria

Wow...I'm feeling a little woozy. The Loopy Ewe did one of their famous Sneak Ups tonight and there was a restocking of the famed and much sought after Wollmeise sock yarn. I put 3 skeins in my shopping cart within 10 minutes of the update and by the time I got checked out, only 1 was left. Still, one is more than most people got and I'll finally see what the fuss is all about. The site crashed several times while I was trying to check out. Craziness. Sock yarn craziness.

Remember the skein of yarn that was so beautiful I was afraid to knit it?

It made a very bright, floppy hat. If it looks nutty on me, don't tell me or I'll get a complex.

Modifications: I used the recommended size 6 needles for the brim, but when I started the stockinette section, my gauge was way huge (because I did not swatch because swatching is boring and I wanted to make a hat, not knit a little square.) I redid the stockinette section on size 3 needles, which made for a better fabric, but I think it might have been just right if I'd used size 4. I also had to add about an inch and a half of length to the crown prior to decreasing. I had it all done and plopped it on my head where it sat like a water lily on a blond pond. Ripped it out, added length, and now it's more like a hat.

Another view:

I curled my hair for you all. I had a good 14 inches of static afro when I brushed it out.

It's not a cuddly warm ski cap, but I kind of like it. It certainly avoids the egg head effect that most hats give me and it even keeps the sun out of my eyes a bit. The biggest problem is that is just sort of rests on my head and I'm afraid a good breeze would lift it right off. But I think that's just the way this style of hat is. Here's what the orignal pattern looks like:

It doesn't look like it fits her much differently. I'm not sure what I could do to keep it on my head short of a chin strap.

The yarn is listed as DK weight, but I'd say it's more like sport. I love the way the colors spiraled around the brim and you will certainly be able to spot me in a crowd when I wear it. Subdued, it is not.

Stilllllll picking up stitches on Mr. GreenJeans. Still hating picking up stitches. I keep thinking "This is the last part. Once I pick these up, knit a few inches of band, then I'm done!" I've even sewed most of the ends in already. I have no idea why I'm finding this so painful, usually picking up stitches isn't this horrid.

All that is left on the needles is the 2nd Anatolian mitten and the 2nd slip stitch rib sock. I'm starting to hate those socks. I had a good 2 inches of toe done when suddenly I realized that I was knitting in pattern on both the instep and the sole. What makes me realize mistakes like that all of a sudden? And why can't I recognize them much sooner? I'm forcing myself not to cast on any more socks right now, or else these will never get finished. Once I get past the heel, then I'll start a new pair.

8 Comments

The hat looks good! I like the style and it looks like something I could use. I don't like the head hugging type hats either. Congrats on getting some Wollmeise. It was crazy and I stayed away this time.

Hey do not feel too bad. I just finished my fingerless mitts and well twice I knitted the right mitt with the thumb in the left position. First time I was almost done, 2nd I was half way. At least you could still wear the socks. I am still wondering why it took me so long to realize I do not half 2 left hands! =)